Thursday, September 4, 2014

Let me introduce you to author and friend Kimberly Kruise Thompson also known as Sunnie Day. This Texas-based author is not only a talented and wonderful writer, but also one of the sweetest people you could possible meet. She's charming, witty and absolutely beautiful, inside and out.

Sunnie Day has four lovely children and five beautiful grandchildren. Sunnie Day has always loved to write, but it was not until later in life, she had the time to pursue her dream to become a writer and published author. “It has been a whirlwind, as I began to put my pen to page,” she says. “The words began to flow like a fast moving river, bringing with it many new adventures that I never dreamed.”

Sunnie Day has just published a new book, “An Angel and a Pair of Shoes.” It's a delightful illustrated children's story which captures the hearts of two young girls who find friendship in a very unique way. The reader must decide whether their imaginations have taken flight or has an angel made an appearance before Petra's eyes.

Half of the proceeds from this book will be donated to “Be an Angel” an organisation working to improve the quality of life for children with multiple disabilities or profound deafness by providing adaptive equipment and select services to individuals and institutions that require a supplement to alternative means of funding."

The book, “An Angel and a Pair of Shoes,” along with Sunnie Day's other books can be purchased on www.amazon.com

Friday, June 13, 2014

A positive self-image is a strong foundation for a happy and successful life. Instilling self-esteem and self-confidence in children is absolutely essential, more so than any other thing we do, and the sooner each child learns it, the better they'll be. Children need to know that we are all unique and amazing in our own way, and we should be very happy and proud of who we are. Children also need to know that the real beauty is within our heart, and that is what is most important.

Monday, May 12, 2014

An interview with children's book author and illustrator, Sannel Larson

What started your interest in writing Children’s books?

I loved to read as a child. I remember the joy and excitement I felt each time I opened the cover of a new book, knowing a world of imagination and new friends would take over my mind until the last page was read. At a certain age I realized that stories and illustrations did not just happen but were actually written and illustrated by real people, that’s when the dream of being one of those people started. By the time I could write, I used to write stories of my own. However, due to circumstances, called life, my childhood dream came true very late in life.

How did you come up with the title?

The titles to my books always seems to come easily to me. Well at least they have so far.

Having had both playful kittens and puppies in the house, I know what kind of trouble their mischievous acts can lead them to. How many times have I not myself shouted;

"Bad, bad kitten or bad, bad puppy

now look at what you have done!

Such a mess you have made

just to play and to have fun!"

So the title for my book about Melvin, a very naughty and mischievous kitten, came quite naturally.

How do you come up with ideas for your characters?

I never plan my stories or my characters. They kind of take shape on my drawing pad or as soon as I start to write. My imagination has always worked better if nothing is planned. I don’t say this is the right way but it works for me.

What books have most influenced your life?

Stories that we read in childhood stay with us forever. Elsa Beskow’s and Astrid Lindgren’s fairy tales with their wonderful illustrations have in some way shaped my life with their imaginative work. I loved to read their stories as a child and I could sit for hours looking at the whimsical and enchanting drawings. I truly believe those two Swedish authors triggered my big imagination and the love I have myself to illustrate and write for children.

"The Wonderful Adventures of Nils" by Selma Lagerlöf is a wonderful, funny and imaginative story.

I read this classic as a very young girl and fell in love with it. This fairy tale teaches us the important lessons about protecting the earth and living creatures.

Later in life I read "A Piece of Cake" by Cupcake Brown. It may not be the most well written book, but the story of Cupcake Brown is truly fantastic and inspiring. It’s an amazing story that teaches us all that we can do better with our lives if we set our mind and heart to it. Truly a motivational read!

Not long ago a dear friend of mine gave me "Tales of a Wounded Healer" by Mariah Fenton Gladys. It’s an inspirational read by a remarkable woman, sharing powerful insights into healing and wholeness.

What are your current projects?

Currently, I’m doing the illustrations for my next children’s book. The story is about angels and will once again be narrated in silly rhyme and rhythm with lots of whimsical drawings to look at. It will be a fun book to read out loud to the little ones. Reading poetry aloud to a child is such an enriching experience and also a very important way of connecting with them. By simply reading poetry to children we help them to understand phonemic awareness that is crucial for the child to avoid later learning problems and make reading and writing easier for them.

I am also working on my second poetry book. Just like my first poetry book, "Scent of a Haiga" I’ll combine my poetry with my love for photography.

What was the hardest part of writing?

Those first few words. Once I get those down, the rest just seems to fall into place.

Distractions are also a big issue. Distractions are always getting in the way of my writing.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Read and write as much as you can, and write about what you love and know well.

Sannel's World of Poetry

Poetry books in print by Vincent Moore

Sannel Larson - Art Surrogate for Greece

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Sannel Larson

Hello, my name is Sannel and welcome to my world in a nutshell. Writing and illustrating is my life, and through this site, I'll share with you my interests and thoughts on life, and that could be about absolutely anything and everything. If you are interested in poetry, please visit my other blog " Sannel's World of Poetry" and take a look at some of my work. Enjoy your stay here, and I hope to see you soon again. Hugs, Sannel